You also can’t go wrong with a night out, but remember this year the romantic holiday coincides with Ash Wednesday. (There's another rare calendar occurrence April 1 with Easter and April Fools' Day on the same day.)

According to the retail trade group's survey, U.S. consumers are expected to spend an average $144 on gifts and meals, up $7 from last year.

Total spending is expected to reach $19.6, up from $18.2 billion last year but slightly less than the $19.7 billion record high from 2016.

“Americans are looking forward to pampering and indulging their loved ones with flowers, candy, dinner and all of the other Valentine’s Day stops," said Matthew Shay, the retail federation's president and CEO in a news release. “With the holidays behind them and the winter months dragging along, consumers are looking for something to celebrate this time of year.”

The survey found consumers plan to spend an average $88.98 on their significant other/spouse, $25.29 on other family members such as children or parents, $7.26 on children's classmates/teachers, $7.19 on friends, $5.50 on pets and $4.79 on co-workers.

Candy conversation hearts are the nation's most popular Valentine's Day candy.(Photo: bhofack2, Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Candy: Fifty-five percent of people will buy candy for Valentine's Day up from 50 percent last year, the retail federation survey shows. Look for candy sales at drug and grocery stores and save more with coupons and cashback apps and coupons.

Greeting cards: About 46 percent of those surveyed say they will buying cards. Publix has a buy-one-get-one free coupon in the weekly sales circular for Hallmark cards and gift wrap, which expires Wednesday. Dollar Tree has a variety of cards, some two for $1.

Jewelry: Consumers plan to spend $4.7 billion on jewelry, according to the retail federation. You can find some of the best jewelry sales at department stores and jewelry stores. Kohl’s has a coupon for $10 off a $50 or more fine and silver jewelry purchase with promo code DIAMOND. The coupon also is available in the Kohl’s app.

Perfume/cologne: Find sales on designer fragrances at department stores as well as pharmacies. At Sephora, get triple Beauty Insider points on fragrance through Feb. 14.

Amazon Prime members get a special flower deal at Whole Foods Market.(Photo: KELLY TYKO/TCPALM)

Flowers: Whether you're ordering at a local florist or online, watch out for delivery fees. Amazon Prime members can take advantage of a great deal at Whole Foods Market. Get two dozen roses for $19.99 when you show a coupon available at www.amazon.com/roses. Non-Prime members can get the roses for $24.99. Through Valentine’s Day, get 20 percent off ProFlowers.com orders of $29 or more with promo code FREE20.

Gift cards: Only about 15 percent of people surveyed said they will give gift cards to their Valentine. At J.C. Penney, when you get $75 or more in store gift cards through Feb. 14, you'll get a $10 off $10 bonus cash coupon to use Feb. 15-28. If you have a Target credit or debit card you can save 5 percent every day on many gift cards. Also save on gift cards at wholesale clubs such as BJ's and Sam's Club.

Gifts of experience: Tickets to a concert or sporting event are a gift 42 percent of people would love to receive, the survey showed. However, less than 24 percent plan to give a gift like this.

Subscription boxes: Find a box that suits your sweetheart's tastes or caters to their interests. You can choose from thousands of boxes including beauty products, beer, wine and shaving kits.

Do-It-Yourself: While not on any survey, a homemade gift or heartfelt note can be more meaningful than the most expensive ring. Look for ideas at Pinterest.com.

Ways to save

Here are my tips to save when shopping online for Valentine's Day and any occasion:

Compare prices: Start with a web search of the product you want or use a price-comparison website such as Bizrate.com or PriceGrabber.com.

Use coupon codes: Always, always look for coupon codes for discounts and free shipping. Consult popular websites such as RetailMeNot.com or do a Google search for the store you're shopping and the words coupon code or promo code.